Grŵp Cynghori Technegol TB Gwartheg Cymru: 16 Hydref 2025

Glyn Hewinson: Chair
Dai Grove-White
Gareth Edwards 
Gareth Enticott
Ifan Lloyd 
Keith Cutler
Robert Smith
Sarah Tomlinson 
Sarah Woollatt 
Richard Irvine
Secretariats

Bovine TB Eradication Programme Board representative
Welsh Government representatives

• the Chair welcomed attendees and introduced Evan, who was attending on behalf of the TB programme board
• the meeting theme was “movement and testing” in the context of TB eradication
• the Chair clarified that TAG’s role is not to create new policies but to highlight evidence and areas of concern to inform policy development

• attendees were invited to declare any conflicts of interest, especially those involved in TB testing delivery

• reference was made to several position papers (NFU Cymru, FUW, Iechyd Da) and the Approved Tuberculin Tester (ATT) executive summary
• the group agreed to focus on areas of divergence from the Godfray Review, particularly where Welsh circumstances differ from England

Purpose and strategy of testing

• the group discussed the need to clarify the purpose of different TB tests (surveillance, control, movement)
• it was noted that current strategies often apply the same test across different scenarios, which may not be optimal
• the importance of test sensitivity and specificity was highlighted, with different priorities for surveillance (specificity) and movement testing (sensitivity)

Test performance and residual infection

• concerns were raised about undetected reservoirs of infection, especially gamma interferon-positive animals
• the challenge of declaring herds “clear” after long-term control was discussed, with a call for algorithms to guide release testing in persistent herds

Ongoing research and modelling

• Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) epidemiologists outlined ongoing work: 
  • development of a within-herd model to assess different test combinations
  • latent class analysis to evaluate test performance in various scenarios
  • a new PhD project aiming to quantify residual infection, with early outputs expected before the project’s completion

Pre- and post-movement testing

• the group discussed the merits of pre-movement versus post-movement testing, with a preference for pre-movement testing to prevent infection spread
• the “trade test” approach was recommended: animals failing the single intradermal test cannot move, but herd restrictions are only imposed if the comparative test is also failed

Industry behaviour and social factors

• the impact of testing on industry behaviour was noted, including changes in movement patterns and the need for industry buy-in
• the importance of cooperative ownership of AFUs (Approved Finishing Units) and LFUs (Licensed Finishing Units) was discussed to address social concerns

Evidence gaps and research needs

• The need for more evidence on: 
  • six-monthly testing and its cost-benefit
  • test performance in youngstock
  • the effectiveness of biosecurity and biocontainment measures
  • the role of whole genome sequencing in understanding transmission, especially wildlife-to-cattle

Review of testing practices

• initiate a review focused on “how do we test better?” considering structural, operational, and cultural factors in testing delivery
• frame the review as an opportunity to engage practitioners and improve both outcomes and buy-in

Support for ongoing research

• strongly support the development of within-herd models and algorithms for bespoke testing strategies
• endorse the PhD project quantifying residual infection and encourage early reporting of findings

Evidence-based policy co-creation

• recommend the establishment of working groups to co-create new policies, especially around testing strategies, with industry involvement to ensure buy-in
• emphasise the need for GB-wide harmonisation of policies to avoid unnecessary complexity and facilitate trade

Six-monthly testing

• encourage further analysis of the efficacy and cost-benefit of six-monthly testing, involving both government and industry perspectives

Youngstock and movement risks

• prioritise research into the risks associated with youngstock and the movement of untested animals, including the impact of industry changes (e.g., increased dairy beef production)

Whole genome sequencing and wildlife

• recommend increased use of whole genome sequencing to inform source attribution and transmission pathways, with a focus on collecting more wildlife isolates

Biosecurity and biocontainment

• call for more robust evidence on the cost-benefit of biosecurity and biocontainment measures, both for preventing introduction and managing endemic infection

Quality assurance in testing

• suggest a review of the quality of testing, including benchmarking, auditing, and the structural incentives within veterinary practices
• consider the publication of benchmarking data (as in Ireland) and the use of outcome monitoring

Industry engagement, further analysis and communication

• highlight the need for improved communication and education for farmers regarding the benefits of biosecurity, biocontainment, and risk-based compensation
• encouragement for industry investment in AFUs to protect low-risk areas, analysis of six-month testing with cost-benefit considerations, and arranging further discussions on Enhanced Management of Persistent Breakdowns (EMPB) paper are planned 

• the Chair summarised the main recommendations and actions
• a summary of recommendations would be circulated for consideration and an ad hoc meeting would be arranged
• the meeting adjourned with thanks to all participants and a note that further data and discussions would be incorporated in future sessions